Source: Simon Hradecky | www.avherald.com

An Air China Airbus A320-200N, registration B-305J performing flight CA-403 from Chengdu (China) to Singapore (Singapore) with 146 passengers and 9 crew, was descending towards Singapore when the crew declared emergency reporting they had received a forward cargo hold as well as a lavatory smoke indication. Smoke developed in the cabin. The aircraft landed on Singapore’s runway 20L and stopped on the runway. The aircraft was evacuated via all slides (including the left hand overwing slides). 9 people received minor injuries. Emergency services extinguished a left hand engine (PW1127G) fire.

The runway was closed for about 3 hours as result of the occurrence.

Singapore’s Civil Aviation Authority reported there were 9 minor injuries due to smoke inhalation and abrasions during the evacuation.

On Sep 11th 2023 the airline reported based on preliminary investigation results that an engine mechanical failure preceeded the emergency landing, the crew handled the occurrence according to procedures, the passengers were cooperative during the evacuation.

Singapore’s TSIB have opened an investigation into the occurrence.

Scene in the cabin:

The evacuation in progress: